Yes- A Cover Girl? Thrive Magazine featured me on the cover of their January edition!

In December I was contacted via my website for an interview for the Louisiana based magazine by the writer Erin Kelly. Erin found me through this website.

The deadline to production was at tight one, but I made it a priority to answer the questions.

Although the article was to be posted on January 3rd, imagine my surprise when Erin sent this cover to me. Neither one of us knew that the Art Director would be using my picture on the cover to depict the “Secret Superpowers” of the Super Successful (pictured at right).

“Ask people to describe the typical characteristics of a Black Hawk helicopter pilot, and few would envision Elizabeth McCormick. It’s difficult to imagine a field more dominated than men than the cockpit of one of the military’s most recognizable aircraft, but McCormick blazed her way through a long line of naysayers to find her way into the pilot’s seat. She shattered glass ceilings, exceeded other people’s expectations, accomplished her dreams, and paved the way for future success. Not just for herself, but others.”

Also featured in the article was author and speaker Garrison Wynn from Houston, TX. Garrison is the author of

The Real Truth about Success : What the Top 1% Do Differently, Why They Won’t Tell You, and How You Can Do It Anyway!

From Amazon, here is the description of Garrison’s Book:

Life and business aren’t fair, which is good. If they were, you couldn’t seize the unfair advantage. Think about it. Is your CEO the smartest person in the company? Is the head of your department more driven than you? Does the leading company in your industry make the best products? Probably not. The Real Truth about Success is the culmination of ten years worth of interviews with more than 5,000 top performers in their fields. During the process, Wynn discovered that better brains, a positive attitude, and superior all-around quality rarely drive true success.Rather, the most successful people in the world leverage their unique, distinctive qualities whatever they may be to propel themselves to the front of the line. The RealTruth about Success, Wynn helps you Discover (or create) your own personal advantage and align it with the most appropriate goals.

]]>http://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/super-secrets-super-successful-cover-story/feed/01077Need an Aviation or Pilot Theme for your next Eventhttp://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/aviation-pilot-theme-for-event/
http://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/aviation-pilot-theme-for-event/#respondSun, 08 Dec 2013 22:06:28 +0000http://www.yourinspirationalspeaker.com/?p=946Are you having an Aviation theme at your event?

Or need ideas for an aviation or Pilot theme for your conference or training meeting?

Here are some aviation theme ideas:

Propel Your Business/Life

On Board of the High Achievers Club

Aim High And Soar

Prepare For Lift Off

Shooting Towards the Stars

Flying high beyond Your Expectations

Cleared for Takeoff

Straight and Steady

Wings of Success

Your Success Launching Pad

Soar Further!

Up, Up and Away

Taking Your Life/Business to New Heights

Soar Beyond Your Wildest Dreams

The Flight to Your Success

Sky’s the Limit

Wings to Fly

Rising Stars

Inspiring You to Fly

Success Begins with You

Soar Upward

Building Something Better

Going Beyond

Our mission is Yours

Where We’re Going

Or adopt a slogan from current and past airline taglines

United: “Rising”

Delta: “We love to fly, and it shows”

Eastern: “Wings of man”

Singapore Airlines: “Now More Than Ever, A Great Way to Fly”

Cathay Pacific: “Now You’re Really Flying.”

USAir: “USAir…begins with you.”

Delta: “You’ll love the way we fly.”

JAL: “Dream Skyward”

Pakistan: “Great People to Fly With”

Continental: “We really move our tail for you”

American: “Something special in the air”

Southwest: “You are now free to move about the country.”

Austrian: “Like a Smile in the Sky”

Eastern: “We earn our wings everyday”

Spirit: “Building a Better Airline”

Northwest Airlines: “Some People just know how to fly”

Air Florida: “Fly a Little Kindness”

Continental: “Up, Where you belong”

Air Canada: “World Class, World Wide”

American Eagle: “To Fly To Serve”

Star Airlines: “You’re Our Star”

Southwest: “Just Plane Smart”

Air Canada: “Above and Beyond”

TWA: “One mission, Yours”

Continental: “Work Hard, Fly Right”

TWA: “We are Up to Something Good.”

Vanguard’s “You’ll like where we’re going”

Delta: “Delta is Always Ready when you are”

Emirates: “Fly the Best”

Lufthansa: “There’s No Better Way to Fly”

Air New Zealand: “Being There is Everything”

China Airlines: “We Blossom Everyday”

Korean Air: “Beyond Your Imagination”

Malaysia Airlines: “Going Beyond Expect

If becoming a pilot was something easy to do I believe anyone who is not afraid of height or to fly would be one. However, it isn’t so easy thus the reason they are such an elite group. To become a pilot one must understand that they are taking a risk. There is no mechanical machine without potential of failure and when you are soaring …… feet in the air and something goes array, you know you had best know howto land that bad boy in the safest measure possible or be prepared to jump ship. Being the Captain of an aircraft means you are the last one off. Your job is to ensure the safety of all others onboard, regardless what you are flying. It’s a huge responsibility to know your crew and possible passengers if flying a passenger plane lives are in your hands. Do you have what it takes not to crack under the pressure? A pilot MUST
!

]]>http://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/aviation-pilot-theme-for-event/feed/0946A different kind of keynote speaker creates an experience for audienceshttp://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/different-kind-keynote-speaker-creates-experience-for-audience/
http://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/different-kind-keynote-speaker-creates-experience-for-audience/#commentsSat, 07 Dec 2013 21:15:58 +0000http://www.yourinspirationalspeaker.com/?p=929Elizabeth McCormick is much more than a typical keynote speaker, she believes in providing a customized experience for all those in attendance.

She believes that it is much more effective to become an integral part of any training event or conference that she participates in.

When you hear Elizabeth speak, you will notice that she is not simply recycling a speech from a previous engagement, she has taken the time and care to adapt a speech that is specific to your goals. Any event that she participates in quickly becomes more of an experience than just a typical presentation.

Want her to wear a flight suit? Want her to wear business attire? Customized for YOU!

Want a speaker that respects your event schedule? Will start on time? Will be on time with her presentation? Elizabeth is for YOU!

Elizabeth will go above and beyond the typical conference call that many are familiar with. She will take the information that she has gathered from you and create unique and customized content relevant to your particular event.

In addition to this, she will also help you stimulate registrations by creating a customized video for your event. You can then embed this video into your registration page content or email it in a newsletter to potential attendees. Including this personalized video in promotional material has been shown to increase registrations by 13%.

Once your attendees have registered for your event, you can then send them a customized video in which Elizabeth will thank them for registering and share with them some of the experiences they can look forward to.

If you have a website or blog, Elizabeth will write a blog post or article for your newsletter on any topic that you choose. She believes that this is an important element in creating an exciting experience for your attendees.

Elizabeth’s level of dedication doesn’t end there; she is willing to stay for the duration of your event. This provides many attendees the opportunity to meet and speak with her before and after she speaks.

She will wear her flight suit and pose with attendees in a specified autograph station for pictures, autographs and book sales. She is also available to sit with any VIP attendees that you may have at your event. If you would like to present your attendees with something special to remember the event, Elizabeth can provide them with a silicone bracelet in your choice of colors.

Her level of dedication doesn’t end once your event is over; she is available for post event conference call or a webinar that is designed to help you emphasize the learning from your event.

She can also create a short training video emphasizing one lesson or message that you felt resonated with the audience to share with those that were not able to attend.

Elizabeth believes that when you create an event that is more of an experience than an ordinary speaking engagement, you will reach the audience on a deeper level.

If your speaker canceled for your event and it’s next week, or even TOMORROW, DO NOT PANIC!

Elizabeth McCormick, one of the top motivational and leadership keynote speakers for associations, national conventions and conferences, business seminars, sales meetings, and workshop training. Content on dynamic motivation, leadership, communication, team building is already prepared and ready to present on a moment’s notice. Want some key messages added in? CAN DO!

Not in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas within driving distance for Elizabeth? (Although Elizabeth HAS driven as far as Springfield, MO with 36 hours notice to fill in for a speaker who had a medical emergency.)

When you’re buying the plane ticket, Elizabeth can be there. Elizabeth flies out of the Dallas Fort Worth Airport or Dallas Love Field Airport, both major hubs to get out for events QUICK!

What if Elizabeth is already booked?

Well, we admit, it DOES happen! Elizabeth WAS booked for 153 events in 2013 all over North America and does have a good number of events already scheduled for 2014 since her book, The P.I.L.O.T. Method: The 5 Elemental Truths to Leading Yourself in Life.

Do not let that stop you- CALL!

Elizabeth has a large team of speakers affiliated with her company, Soar 2 Success International, on diverse topics that can make your event a BIG success. If she’s not available for you, we’ll find out what you need and find a PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER that fits and is available for you.

Are you breathing a SIGH of relief? Feeling better already?

Take the stress out of a last minute or short notice cancellation.

Take the stress out of when the boss changes the meeting objectives the week before.

Take the stress out of filling an unexpected opening or change in your agenda.

Need more information about Elizabeth and why you should book her for your next event?

]]>http://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/help-keynote-speaker-canceled-texas-louisiana-oklahoma-arkansas/feed/0926Wanted: Opening Keynote Speakerhttp://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/wanted-opening-keynote-speaker/
http://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/wanted-opening-keynote-speaker/#respondSat, 31 Aug 2013 23:33:07 +0000http://www.yourinspirationalspeaker.com/?p=892You have 30 seconds! In less than one minute your audience will know if the keynote speaker has what it takes to keep their attention… or put them to sleep.

One of the most important aspects in planning a meeting is choosing the right keynote speaker for the event. Not only do you want a well-informed keynote speaker but also a speaker that has the ability to deliver that knowledge in a manner that will grab and hold the audience’s attention throughout, leaving them wanting more.

A great opening keynote speaker has a high energy level and the ability to connect with their audience on both a mental and emotional level. They have a stage presence like no other and bring an audience alive.

Your keynote speaker sets the tone for the entire event and the quality of the speaker chosen is critical to the perception of the attendees. A poor opening keynote speaker leaves a bad taste in the audience’s mouth, regardless of what great hors d’oeuvres you may have offered.

After all, people most remember the first thing they hear and the last thing they hear. You do not want attendees leaving your meeting talking more about the food than the message!

When choosing an opening keynote speaker, the interview starts from the minute you connect with the speaker. While speaking to potential keynote speakers pay attention to their tone and voice pitch. Did they excite you even more about your event or leave you feeling like you were shot with morphine? Did they listen to what you were looking for and offer solutions in how they could deliver? Does their personality, thoughts, and ideas fit your keynote theme? You want it to be a smooth marriage of minds, thoughts, ideas and most of all – passion!

Checking the history of a keynote speaker is also a great way to get a feel for what and who this person is all about. Ask to see previously delivered keynote videos, slides from a presentation they gave, or mp3 recordings. Pay attention to the audience and the looks on their faces. Do they look and sound engaged? If not, well, you know what to do!

Do your due diligence. Search the web to see what is being said about the speaker – do they have a high profile – easily found? Read press files on the speaker and see how others quote them. Check their Social Media and see if they are active and followed?

A great keynote speaker will grab your attention, be proactive, and leave you remembering them long after you finished an interview with them for the right reason.

Elizabeth is scheduled to be the Opening Keynote speaker for the Meeting Planners International Regional Leadership Day.

Elizabeth an International Keynote Speaker addressing audiences of up to 6,000+ people and seen on ABC News “20/20,” CBS News, MSNBC, on FOX News Radio, on the front page of the Dallas Morning News and featured in the Wall Street Journal. Elizabeth McCormick has empowered audiences internationally and all over America with her action-packed speaking.

The speakers packed the house at Kessler Theatre, with a sold out crowd filling both levels to see the audition.

The judges, all TEDxSMU speakers themselves: Willie Baronet, Grace Gilker, and Byron Sanders entertained in between auditions with a humorous talk show style format of feedback.

First up, speaking for only 6 minutes was hard. An hour would be easier. It forced me to get very clear and very succinct. Every word choice was carefully chosen for impact.

But then the Slide shows started acting up. Flickering, not advancing. The first three auditions went smoothly, including my friend, speaker Cathrine Hatcher with her emotional presentation on roadside memorials.

My audition speech was “The Two words that can change Your Life”, a motivational and thought provoking story of how questioning and asking “WHY NOT” can become a pivot point in your life and move you to a different place. Much like what happened to me, and I related the story of when I walked into the recruiting station, asked to be a Helicopter Pilot and was told “No, You can’t do that”. I pushed back by asking “Why Not” to overcome that obstacle and became a Black Hawk Helicopter Pilot for the US Army.

But during my speech, the 2 slide presentation did not advance and started flickering, getting stuck—I forged on ignoring the slide mishap! Then during the next speech, Sung Kim’s audition about a new intuitive phone design that he had created, the slide deck froze, and despite his being allowed to re-start again, it froze again.

Bill Holston’s informative presentation on Immigration, with a unique take on the benefits to the American economy from immigration, was also marred by the projector issues.

An intermission was called to fix the problem before continuing the auditions with the final 5 presentations. However, the 20 minute intermission interrupted the flow and audience’s assessment of the presentation in an equal assessment.

During the rehearsal, just prior to the doors opening, the projector made the same mistakes! This was not corrected at that time, and could have been. As a meeting planner, it is key to ensure the slide deck and projector interface are responding properly. Test and troubleshoot these problems prior to the event start. Also instead of having to flip between different PowerPoint presentations, create one continuous presentation for each segment of the event.

Ultimately, the audience vote determined two winners our of the 11: Dave Leiber, a Dallas Morning News watchdog columnist presenting “The Power of a Story to Change the World” with humorous anecdotes that had the audience in full belly laugh mode.

And LyAnna Smith, a SMU graduate student, who personally foster cares 2 children and spoke about the foster care system in Texas. These two advance to the TEDxSMU conference on October 19th.

What a learning experience! So many take-aways, it was like an education!

Shorter isn’t always better

Test your AV thoroughly before the event starts

The order in the line up of speakers and presentations—MATTERS!!!

As a speaker—be able to do your presentation without the powerpoint

Have a master presentation for each segment of your event

What are your take-aways?

]]>http://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/event-lessons-from-tedxsmu-auditions/feed/68002011 Congressional Veteran Commendation (CVC) Awarded to Elizabeth McCormickhttp://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/congressional-veteran-commendation/
http://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/congressional-veteran-commendation/#respondMon, 15 Apr 2013 07:07:50 +0000http://www.yourinspirationalspeaker.com/?p=670I didn’t know it was coming. I was actually scheduled to be at a Les Brown training in Los Angeles. 9 days before the training, I received a call from Senator Sam Johnson’s office congratulating me.

“You are receiving the 2011 Congressional Veteran Commendation (CVC), in its inaugural year for your military service and community involvement as a veteran.”

I had no idea I had been nominated. I was honored and humbled to have been included.

“I am proud to know great patriots like these veterans here in our own community,” said Johnson. “It is an honor to recognize their service to America.”

But imagine my surprise 9 days later when I was at the awards ceremony held at Collin College in Plano, Texas (a suburb of Dallas), when I discovered I was the only female veteran being honored in 2011.

The other honorees included:

U.S. Army Sergeant First Class (ret.) Scott Bradley of Murphy served our country for 23 years. During Bradley’s deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, his task was to secure and detail all insurgents coming through the hospital.

Thomas Garner of Plano joined the U.S. Army during World War II as part of the Air Corps. At the end of WWII, Garner entered the U.S. Air Force, where he deployed to Japan, Wake Island, Bermuda, Bangkok and Thailan during his 27 years of active duty service. Garner has also served with the Texas State Guard, receiving numerous awards and citations and achieving the rank of Colonel.

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Allen Goehring, Jr. of Richardson has honorably served our country since 1986. Most recently, Goehring deployed to Iraq as a Criminal Investigations Division Special Agent with the 1149th Military Police Detachment of the Texas Army National Guard.

U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Robert Kinne of McKinney served an impressive 21-year career as a distinguished fighter pilot. Kinne flew numerous combat missions over Vietnam and received three Distinguished Flying Crosses, eight Air Medals, a Bronze Star, and two Meritorious Service Medals. Kinne remains closely involved with the community as a member of the Red River Valley Fighter Association, National Air and Space Society, and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

Colonel Peter Malik of McKinney serves in the U.S. Army Reserve as Commander of the 90th Sustainment Brigade in Little Rock, Arkansas. Malik has deployed for both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Specialist Richard Oliver of Sachse served in the United States Army where he trained to perform decontamination of field units in the event of a combat nuclear exchange.

Jim Reed of Plano served as a rifleman in the U.S. Marine Corps where he fought in World War II at the Battle of the Marshall Islands, the Battle of Saipan, the Battle of Tinian and the taking of Iwo Jima.

Captain George Robinson of Plano served 20 years in the U.S. Navy after graduating from the NROTC program at Princeton University and obtaining a Ph.D. in civil engineering through a four-year Marshall Scholarship in the United Kingdom.

U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Paul Simeon of Frisco is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sergeant Leni Mark Williams of McKinney served our country from 1942 to 1972 as part of three foreign wars: World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

The CVC, in conjunction with the Veterans History Project sponsored by the Library of Congress, is a nominations-based program that preserves the personal accounts of veterans for future generations.

]]>http://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/congressional-veteran-commendation/feed/0670Inspire your audiencehttp://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/inspire-your-audience/
http://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/inspire-your-audience/#respondThu, 08 Nov 2012 22:57:44 +0000http://www.yourinspirationalspeaker.com/?p=446Filmed for ABC News 20/20, Elizabeth McCormick empowers you and your organization to go from where you are to where you want to be. Elizabeth shares her inspirational REAL stories of overcoming obstacles as she became a Black Hawk Helicopter Pilot for the US Army. A sought after inspirational speaker who appeals to audiences in all walks of life, Elizabeth is dynamic and energetic while bringing her humor and interaction to the experience.
]]>http://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/inspire-your-audience/feed/0446Welcomehttp://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/welcome-post/
http://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/welcome-post/#commentsSun, 19 Aug 2012 21:34:48 +0000http://yourinspirationalspeaker.com/?p=217Welcome to my blog and my new website, Your Inspirational Speaker. You need an outstanding, dynamic, motivational speaker for your event. And I deliver.

But it’s so much more than just a good speech or a presentation. While you’re planning an event, you want someone who is easy to work with, on time with their delivery and deliverables.

You need someone who is relatable yet inspiring. Who will spend time with your audience getting to know them and making them feel important. As your speaker, it’s my job to make it all about your audience.

My stories are geared toward your audience’s experiences, who they are, where are they in their business or life, what is your industry experiencing right now. What do they need to hear? As I work with you on your event, we’ll find what is needed to make it the best experience for your attendees.